Would Jesus Buy This?

Would Jesus buy a bobble head of himself? With the Americanization of Jesus in our culture and paraphanalia that exists because of his popularity would he, if he were here on earth, buy it?

Seems like a silly question and yet I find that many feel that this is a cute representation of the person who claims to be the Son of God. Is this the kind of attention that He wants? Is this the kind of attention that He needs?

Would he himself use it as a fundraising gimmick to raise more money for his mission?

If you would put a Sidney Crosby [or favourite cultural icon of your choice]  bobble head on your dashboard then why wouldn't you put one of Jesus as well or in place of?

Washing the Feet of World Leaders

What do you think of this image depicting Jesus washing the feet of world leaders?

Is this an appropriate depiction given the actual story recorded by John in his gospel? Jesus washed the feet of his disciples during the last supper as a demonstration of the extent of his love for them.

Would he have done the same for Herod's sons who were ruling during this time, or the Roman Emperor Tiberius, or Pilate? Ironically Pilate washed his own hands in the presence of Jesus and his accusers.

Jesus Clearing out the Money Changers

This painting made by Carl Heinrach Bloch - a Danish Artist living in the 19th century - was commissioned by the Frederiksborg Palace. Bloch painted several scenes from the life of Jesus under this commissioning.

In this scene you see Jesus clearing out the money changers in the court of the Gentiles in the temple in Jerusalem. Some view this as Jesus expressing his liberal views that go against the common Jewish beliefs of his day, others see it as evidence of Jesus being anti-establishment.

What do you see? How do you view Jesus in this depiction by Bloch? What is the intent of the gospel writers as they recall this event in the life of Jesus as they witnessed it?

The Politics of Jesus

There is a lot of talk in the US about Jesus and politics, mostly about how politics and religion don't mix, and yet many politicians speak of God and Jesus on a regular basis and use religion to influence people in terms of votes and party lines.

What do you think about Jesus and politics?

Was Jesus political?

What was his political point of view?

Was he a liberal or a conservative?

Was he a democrat or republican?

Did he actually care about politics?